Outdoors

Published
January 16, 2011

Allen Afield: Storms emphasize wildlife’s resiliency

Recently, a snowstorm raged beyond the living room window inches from my nose. As icy flakes sailing parallel to the ground ticked the glass, the pellet-stove fan 20 feet away made a comforting, susurrant sound, sending a steady stream of warmth into the house. As nature flexed her muscles, I marveled — once again — […]
Published
January 16, 2011

Hunting: Turkey vs. deer turns out to be a rural myth

The developed areas of our state may vary from the hinterlands in some ways, but urban and rural areas also share some similarities. A case in point is the perpetuation of myths and legends. People seek simple solutions to phenomena that are not easily explainable. Speculation turns to rumors, and once they’ve taken hold, they […]
Published
January 16, 2011

Outdoors Calendar

Mountain lions and reports of their presence in New England, presentation by Bill Betty. 7 tonight. Merryspring Nature Center, 30 Conway Road, Camden, Free. Pre-registration is not required, but seating is limited. For more information, call 236-2239 or visit www.merryspring.org. Fly-tying lessons, by Bill Black, founder of Umpqua Feather Merchants and owner of Spirit River […]
Published
January 16, 2011

Hiking: Club’s treks get new winter hikers on right track

The hubbub of the holidays is over and the long, cold winter has settled in. You can choose to hole up indoors and try to wait out the next several months, but what fun is that? Better to get outside on foot, skis and snowshoes, get some healthy exercise and enjoy the snowy scenery with […]
Published
January 16, 2011

Fat fun

Many mountain bikers are switching to winter bikes with wide tires to ride anywhere they like, even on snow and ice.

Published
January 16, 2011

Snowmobiling: Northern club serves as keeper of snowmobile history

Mount Katahdin looms luxuriously over a plain and modest two-story wooden building that protects treasures of snowmobiling’s past. The Antique Snowmobile Museum is right next to the Northern Timber Cruisers Snowmobile Club in Millinocket and has some of the oldest snowmobiles in the country. When you enter the building, you step into a time capsule […]
Published
January 16, 2011

Mark Latti: Smelt shacks heating up

There were a variety of ducks at the base of the rapids, which told me that finally, ice had captured most of the river, forcing the ducks to the fast-flowing water that rarely freezes. Once the ducks appear in the rapids, you know it’s not long before the first smelt shack will appear. I always […]
Published
January 9, 2011

Hunting: Before feeding deer, consider other ways to offer winter aid

Another winter is upon us and with it comes a perilous time for wildlife. With deer populations throughout the state at some of the lowest levels in recent memory, many well-intentioned folks will be providing supplemental feeding to the deer in hopes of carrying a few more through the rough Maine winter. The Maine Department […]
Published
January 9, 2011

Getting above it all at Sunday River

Over the past few years, Sunday River has done more to partner with local businesses like dog-sled and snowmobile guides. This winter, helicopter pilots from New Hampshire are bringing a different kind of guided trip to the Newry resort. During Christmas vacation week, helicopter rides leaving from a pub below the mountain range flew over […]
Published
January 9, 2011

Outdoors Dispatches

BAXTER STATE PARK Students invited to apply for wilderness program Friends of Baxter State Park is inviting Maine high school sophomores and juniors to submit applications to participate in the 3rd annual Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program at Baxter State Park. The program is scheduled for Aug. 6 to 14. The application deadline is Feb. […]

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